Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a plurality of input signals are provided. A plurality of selection signals are received. Each of the plurality of selection signals is representative of one of a plurality of input signal characteristics. Each of the input signal characteristics is associated with one of the plurality of input signals. The plurality of input signals are converted into at least one digital waveform. A plurality of signal values may be extracted from the at least one digital waveform based on the plurality of input signal characteristics. An output signal may be generated based on each of the plurality of signal values.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting and replacing spurious motion vectors in video signal compression includes determining whether a motion vector of a current macroblock is spurious by comparing the motion vector with motion vectors of motion vectors of neighbouring macroblocks; and replacing the motion vector as spurious if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. In particular, the method and system seeks to determine (72, 73) whether at least one cluster of motion vectors of neighbouring macroblocks can be formed; and if not, leaves (80) the motion vector of the current macroblock unchanged but if so determining (74) whether the motion vector falls within a cluster. The motion vector may be replaced (81) under certain criteria if the motion vector does not fall within a cluster of motion vectors of neighbouring macroblocks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a plurality of input signals are provided. A plurality of selection signals are received. Each of the plurality of selection signals is representative of one of a plurality of input signal characteristics. Each of the input signal characteristics is associated with one of the plurality of input signals. The plurality of input signals are converted into at least one digital waveform. A plurality of signal values may be extracted from the at least one digital waveform based on the plurality of input signal characteristics. An output signal may be generated based on each of the plurality of signal values.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of a liquid that includes a chamber having at least one inner surface, the chamber adapted for passage of a fluid therethrough. The chamber is at least 80 percent enclosed. The apparatus also includes an optional ultraviolet-transmissive tube disposed within the chamber and also adapted for the passage of the liquid therethrough. The apparatus further includes an ultraviolet lamp disposed within the chamber and, optionally, within the ultraviolet-transmissive tube. A reflective material is interposed between the chamber and the transmissive tube. The reflective material is adapted so as to reflect at least a portion of light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp, wherein the reflective material is at least 80 percent reflective.

Abstract: A pack for medicinal tablets has two parts hinged together, each part having pockets containing tablets. The pockets may be displaced to expel the tablets through a foil sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of a liquid comprising includes a chamber having at least one inner surface. The chamber is at least 80 percent enclosed. The apparatus also includes an ultraviolet (UV) transmissive tube and the UV transmissive tube disposed within the chamber and adapted for the passage of the liquid therethrough. The apparatus further includes an UV lamp and the UV lamp being disposed within the UV transmissive tube. A reflective material is interspersed between the chamber and the transmissive tube, and the reflective material is adapted so as to reflect at least a portion of light emitted by the UV lamp. Additionally, the reflective material is at least 80 percent reflective.

Abstract: A key fob for keyless entry into an automobile includes a substantially rigid housing having an outer surface with a ridge or a recess. Signal transmission circuitry is disposed within the housing and is operable to transmit a signal to the automobile. A flexible shell includes a cavity in which the housing is at least partially received. A rim is engaged with the ridge or recess of the housing such that the shell is secured to the housing.

Abstract: A discharge device for operation in a gas at a prescribed pressure includes cathode that is at least partially enclosed by a dielectric layer. The dielectric layer is at least partially enclosed by an anode. The dielectric and the anode have one or more aligned penetrations therein. The cathode may be hollow to allow a cooling fluid to circulate inside the cathode to cool the lamp.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a flowable material has a container having a side wall and further having a closed end and an open end. A membrane defines a chamber within the container between the membrane and the closed end of the container. The membrane has a weld seam rupturable upon the application of a force to a side wall of the container proximate the membrane. A swab assembly is operably connected to the open end of the container such that the swab assembly is in flow communication with the open end.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates efficient negotiations of trade terms and the generation of an electronic trade ticket in the trading of financial instruments. The negotiation process is preferably conducted through a secure online chat program using point-to-point messaging, though the negotiations can take place using the tradition exchanges of phone calls and faxes outside of the confines of an electronic trading system. Once the trade terms have been agreed upon by both parties, then the parties enter an electronic trading system in accordance with the present invention to select the traded financial instrument and generate an electronic trade ticket with can be stored by the trading system and/or the each of the trading parties.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing flowable materials has a container assembly (12) having a dividing wall (19). A first chamber (18) and a second chamber (20) are defined in the container assembly (12). The first chamber (18) is configured to contain a first flowable material (M1) (140) and the second chamber (20) is configured to contain a second flowable material (M2) (142). A membrane (34) is positioned in the container and cooperates with the dividing wall (19) to enclose the first and second chambers (18, 20). The membrane (34) has a first section (132) having a first weld seam (148) and a second section (134) having a second weld seam (150). The first section (132) is separated from the second section (134) by a non-rupturable member (33). Rupture of the membrane (34) allows the flowable materials into a third chamber (42) in which the flowable materials mix to form a mixture, and from which the mixture is dispensed.

Abstract: An anonymous trading system which enables derivative dealers to setup credit preferences based upon their own models and provides counterparties, end-users and dealers with the option of choosing to remain anonymous during a derivative trading bidding process. Additionally, the systems and methods restrict derivative trading activity with counterparties where there is an existing banking relationship. Using the system and methods, end-users will be able to obtain prices from multiple dealers without the problems inherent in using a voice-based system by utilizing an electronic reverse auctioning process to anonymously obtain derivative trading bids simultaneously from one or many participating derivative dealers.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing device (1) comprises a cartridge (2) having an outer casing (11) and a plurality of sensors (6) arranged one upon another in a stack. The cartridge has a first dispensing end (13) and a second opposing end (14) spaced a fixed distance apart, and the cartridge includes a first aperture (15) for the ejection of a sensor closest to the first end and a second aperture (16) opposed to the first aperture, for access by a pushing member (25). The first aperture and the second aperture are each provided with compliant sealing means (17) which are at least partly disposed outside the outer casing. The sealing means have first and second sealing surfaces which are capable of co-operating to releasably form a substantially moisture-tight seal when acted upon by suitable clamping forces. The device has a housing (34) for receiving the cartridge.

Abstract: An interference resistant infrared receiver and extension system is disclosed. A receiver in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one infrared photodetector configured to detect impinging infrared light of a desired wavelength, an amplifier, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, for amplifying an electrical signal generated by the at least one infrared photodetector, and a bandpass filter, coupled to the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the desired impinging infrared light passes through the bandpass filter before impinging on the at least one infrared photodetector, wherein the bandpass filter is configured to pass desired impinging infrared light and block undesired impinging wavelengths of light.

Abstract: A method for automatic profiling of an entity and a system adopting the method comprises acquiring sensory data having at least one behavioral cue of the entity; annotating the behavioral cues according to an ontology; assigning a behavioral signature to an annotated-behavioral-cue set, wherein the annotated-behavioral-cue set comprises at least one annotated behavioral cue; and associating human subjectivity information with a behavioral-signature set, wherein the behavioral-signature set comprises at least one behavioral signature.

Abstract: A test device for testing of analyte concentration in a fluid to be applied thereto, the device comprising a plurality of test members arranged in at least one stack and electrodes for engaging with electrode tracks on a test member. A pusher pushes a single test member from the stack so that it can engage with the electrodes. An actuation member is connected to the pusher, and moves it when operated by a user. The at least one stack of test members is enclosed in a magazine which is initially sealed by a moisture impermeable seal. A cutter is provided for slitting the seal and permitting a test member to be pushed from the magazine by the pusher when the first test member from the magazine is to be used.

Abstract: A sanitary cover for use in covering a surface area of an article. The sanitary cover comprises a fabric material and means for attaching the sanitary cover to the article. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the fabric material forming the sanitary cover comprises an inner layer formed from a hydrophilic material and an outer layer formed from a hydrophobic material and at least one middle layer effective for reducing the passage of contaminates there through.

Abstract: A dispenser (10) for dispensing a mixture (6) of a first flowable material (4) and a second flowable material (5) has a container (12) having a first chamber (20) and a second chamber (30). The first chamber (20) is adapted to contain the first material (4) and the second chamber (30) is adapted to contain the second material (5). The dispenser (10) further comprises a first membrane (50a) separating the first and second chambers (20,30), and a second membrane (50b) connected to the container (12) proximate the second chamber (30). Pressure applied to the first membrane (50a) fractures the first membrane (50a) wherein the first flowable material (4) and the second flowable material (5) mix to form a mixture (6). Pressure applied to the second membrane (50b) fractures the second membrane (50b) to dispense the mixture (6).

Abstract: A method of controlling frame types in a video compression system having I, P and B frames calculates activity figures of the video signal in vertical, vertical temporal and horizontal directions. Video sequences with low complexity in which the vertical activity within a field is less than the vertical-temporal activity within a frame are encoded without using B frames whereas sequences with high complexity, i.e. spatial detail, are encoded using B frames by the use of the invention, disadvantages associated with B frames are reduced by the selected use of B frames.

Abstract: A key fob for keyless entry into an automobile includes a substantially rigid housing having an outer surface with a ridge or a recess. Signal transmission circuitry is disposed within the housing and is operable to transmit a signal to the automobile. A flexible shell includes a cavity in which the housing is at least partially received. A rim is engaged with the ridge or recess of the housing such that the shell is secured to the housing.